For 2025, there has been a significant change to eligibility criteria for the Covid vaccine. Building on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), eligibility has been narrowed significantly compared to previous years – targeting those at highest risk of severe illness.
The below table explains the eligibility changes in more detail. The 2024 criteria, in red, no longer applies.
| Autumn 2024 Criteria | Autumn 2025 Criteria |
|---|---|
| Adults 65 years and over | Adults 75 years and over |
| – Residents in older adult care homes – People aged 6 months+ in clinical risk groups, including: • Chronic respiratory disease (e.g. asthma, COPD) • Chronic heart disease • Chronic kidney or liver disease • Chronic neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson’s, MS, epilepsy) • Diabetes • Severe obesity (BMI ≥40) • People with a weakened immune system (e.g. due to treatment or condition) | – Residents in older adult care homes – Immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months+ |
We understand that these changes may be disappointing for some of our patients. However, we must follow the national criteria set by the JCVI and the NHS. Unfortunately, this means we are not able to vaccinate patients who are not eligible under the new rules.
For more information on the new criteria, please go to